One more aspiring policeman dies in Mumbai

A 23-year-old man, who fell unconscious during a police recruitment drive here, died today while undergoing treatmentMumbai: A 23-year-old man, who fell unconscious during a police recruitment drive here, died today while undergoing treatment, police said, becoming the third aspirant to lose life during the exercise.

Vishal Kedar, a Nashik resident, collapsed and fell unconscious during physical endurance test organised in suburban Vikhroli on Wednesday as part of state-wide drive for candidates aspiring to join Maharashtra police force.

He was rushed to a hospital in suburban Mulund, where he was put on ventilator. Kedar died this morning in Platinum Hospital, said an official at Mulund Police Station.

“While taking part in a 5-km race, he fainted after which he was administered first aid. He was then rushed to a government-run hospital. From there he was shifted to Platinum hospital,” the official added.

Two other candidates, Ambadas Sonawane (23) from Malegaon (Nashik district) and Saiprasad Mali (22) from Virar near here, who also fell unconscious during the physical test, died in Mumbai and adjoining Thane respectively on Wednesday.

Since Tuesday, when the drive began, at least 20 candidates have been admitted to hospitals in Ghatkopar, Mulund and Vikhroli due to severe dehydration. Many aspirants reportedly took part in the race without shoes.

Police authorities said they received around 1.2 lakh applications from all over the state for recruitment as Constables for about 3,500 posts. The drive, that began all over the state on Tuesday, will continue for another few days.

The issue of death of aspiring policemen during the drive was raised in the Maharashtra Assembly yesterday. MLAs felt such drives should not be held in summers, when high temperatures and humidity could affect the health of candidates.

Dada Bhuse, Independent MLA from Malegaon, urged the Government to provide a compensation of Rs five lakh to the family of Sonawane.